helsinkirocks said:
I forgot to get the serial number to date-check it, but it appeared to be a CBS era MM. The guy at the pawn shop claimed it to be a late 60s - early 70s. Looked to be in all around good shape, it was yellow in color with a black pickguard.
What are the approximate values for '65 - '72 Musicmasters (its most likely one of those years),
Okay, HSR, I'm not an expert but I do enjoy learning and here's what I found:
Most Musicmasters from 1956 - 1980 had a 3/4 neck, so that's something to check on. That short neck is for smaller people and is not very playable for most musicians. There was a regular scale neck option, called the Musicmaster II, from 64 to 69. After 69 the "II" designation was dropped and all Musicmasters after that are regular scale necks
From 1956 to 1961 they came in Desert Sand, which often appears yellowed today (but look closely...an obvious yellow means it's been refinished and has lost 50% of its vintage value). They came in Sunburst from 61 to 63, and in red, white (also called blond), or blue after that. White or "blond" will often age to a pale yellow, especially if it spent time in lots of tobacco smoke.
Not sure about all the pickguard options, but most had white pickguards
As for values, the 2010 Vintage Guitar Price Guide gave these values of Musicmasters in excellent condition:
1956-64: $1,600 to $2,000
1964-69: $1,300 to $1,600 (red, white or blue)
1970-80: $600 to $750 (red, white or blue)
Musicmaster II: $1,300 to $1.600 (red, white or blue)
I'd say the most important points are to know the neck scale you're buying and then to make sure you're not paying vintage price for a refin. Be careful and have fun. Let us know what happens.
Cheers,
